“I had worked with Jon on a personal basis for about 18 months before he
joined the club. I’m not going to divulge in detail what he has been doing
to help us, but I believe his input and his presence at the Swalec will be
hugely beneficial.”
Somerset face old foes Hampshire in the second semi-final, having lost to them
in the 2010 final. If they pass that test, they will play the winners of
Yorkshire v Sussex. A tough examination, whoever wins. Still, if Somerset
can leave behind them the bitter memories of so many one-day sob stories,
maybe 2012 will be a year to remember rather than yet another season to
forget.
James Hildreth, who, along with Trescothick is the only remaining member of
the Somerset team that beat Lancashire in the 2005 final, has played in well
over 100 T20 matches, more than anybody else at the County Ground. This will
be his fifth final.
“We have a few disappointments in the last three finals, but we are stronger
for those experiences. We have assessed where those finals went wrong so
when we get to Saturday we will use what we have come up with to correct
that,” he said.
Apart from the mental side of things, Somerset have had to overcome numerous
other difficulties. Their bowling attack has been badly hit by injury and
international call-ups while the batting order has, at times, been a little
below strength because of Trescothick’s absence.
That said, the county’s strength in depth and willingness to use players,
whatever their age, has served them well.
Hildreth said: “I think it’s a great sign for us as a squad that the
youngsters can come in and perform well. We have been lucky to have these
youngsters coming through otherwise it could have been a lot worse. In those
terms, it’s a real achievement to be in the final.”
How the Twenty20 finals day contenders compare
HAMPSHIRE
Story so far Runners up to Sussex in a strong South group. Held their
nerve to beat a fancied Nottinghamshire in the quarter-finals and qualify
for their third successive Finals Day.
Key player Dimitri Mascarenhas. Veteran former England one-day
international all-rounder who is at his most dangerous in Twenty20.
Chances Hampshire were the only one of the semi-finalists to win away
in the quarter-finals so could be dark horses.
SOMERSET
Story so far Won only half their matches but had three washed out in a
soggy Midlands/Wales/South West group. Eased past Essex in the
quarter-finals to reach their fourth consecutive Finals Day.
Key player Alfonso Thomas. Canny seamer who has Twenty20 experience in
the Indian Premier League and Australia’a Big Bash.
Chances Runners-up for the last three seasons and also three silver
medals in other competitions in the last two seasons. Surely their luck must
change?
SUSSEX
Story so far Lost only one group match and that was a rain-affected
affair against Surrey. Pulverised Gloucestershire to reach their third
Finals Day.
Key player Scott Styris. Former New Zealand all-rounder who clobbered a
37-ball century against Gloucestershire in the quarter-final. Had had more
clubs than Jack Nicklaus having played for Middlesex, Durham, Essex and
Sussex.
Chances Won this competition in 2009 and strongly fancied to win it
again.
YORKSHIRE
Story so far Finally got to grips with this form of cricket and
clinched the North group with seven wins and only one defeat in ten matches.
Brilliant fielding a key factor.
Key player Richard Pyrah. An under-rated but dangerous all-rounder who
has been a key figure in Yorkshire’s progress to their first Twenty20 finals
day.
Chances Their first Finals Day so lack of previous experience may be
seen as disadvantage, although four counties have won the competition on
their first appearance in the showpiece event.